For more than 30 years, KIRO 7′s Deborah Horne has been a trailblazer in covering issues of diversity and inclusion in the Pacific Northwest.
On Wednesday, she was named Local Reporter of the Year by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and is set to fly to New York to be honored at the 2022 Gracie Awards.
The Gracies recognize individual achievement and exemplary programming created by, for and about women in all facets of media and entertainment.
In 1994, Ms. Horne created and hosted the four-time Emmy Award winning show, KIRO InColor, a public affairs show that not only celebrated diversity, but put crucial issues involving race, gender and politics under the microscope. She was also the creator and executive producer of a nationally-recognized women’s show, KIRO Backstage.
Today, she continues her commitment to telling stories of those who have not often been heard.
Ms. Horne is a member of the advisory panel for Western Washington Gets Real, KIRO 7′s initiative to dig deep into important issues about systemic racism.
Some of Ms. Horne’s work includes the story of a Black Seattle detective working to bridge the gap between police and children in underserved communities through the game of chess.
She was also the only reported requested to sit down with Martin Luther King III for an interview marking the 60th anniversary of his father’s only visit to Seattle.
Ms. Horne is a passionate pillar in the Western Washington community who has also spent much of her career volunteering for organizations helping victims of domestic abuse.
The Gracie awards is presented by the Alliance for Women in Media, formed in 1951, originally as American Women in Radio and Television.
The annual award recognizes exemplary programming created by, for, and about women in radio, television, cable, and interactive media. Honorees are selected in national, local, and student markets, including both commercial and non-commercial outlets.
Other 2022 Honorees include Melissa McCarthy, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Kelly Clarkson, Elle Fanning and Tamron Hall.
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